HR in 90 Seconds - February 2019

In this month’s ‘HR in 90 seconds…’ we consider some takeaways from #timetotalk day – is it as simple as asking ‘how are you?’  Also, have you any concerns in dealing with poor performance? In our next free webinar Caroline McEnery discusses how we can deal with poor performance proactively. 

Mental Health Presenteeism Rising

Last month we looked at the HR trends that may be coming our way in 2019, one of these was the battle against presenteeism in the workplace. HR Review have reported on research carried out by Canada Life showing that presenteeism is rising with over a fifth of respondents saying that they go into work when mentally unwell. Year on year this research shows that mental health presenteeism is a growing issue in the UK.

One of the main issues concerning mental health issues is the isolating effect it can have on an individual. According to the UK based research over a third (35 per cent) of employees are not currently aware of any form of support their workplace offers to manage sickness absence, while one in eight (13 per cent) definitely do not have any support options available to them.

The reality is that these issues could be combatted and improved with a more flexible approach to working, a positive attitude towards mental health issues and increased workplace support.

Three in ten (28 per cent) believe flexible working options would help with both their physical and mental health, a similar number of workers (27 per cent) say a more positive workplace attitude towards health and wellbeing would help, while a fifth (19 per cent) think that better workplace support (for example, Employee Assistance Programmes) would be beneficial.

Is it perhaps part of the problem that mental health in the workplace is not an easy conversation?

Thursday 7th February was #TimetoTalk day, an initiative which encourages everyone to talk about mental health. It was evident on social media that lots of organisation used it as an opportunity to remind employees and others of the support that is available to anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. Lots of organisations last week were getting involved in ‘#itstimetotalk

In support of the #itstimetotalk initiative, Legal and General have produced a simple video looking at the classic signs of a colleague who may be suffering from a mental health problem. This simple 1:35 video has several things to consider when you think that a colleague in the workplace might be suffering:

1. Everyone is on the same team
2. Communication is critical
3. If you see something might be wrong just ask!
4. It’s not only physical injuries that cause problems
5. #itsnotaredcardoffence

It is so important to start that conversation regardless of where you are and give someone that space to express how they are feeling! It can be as simple as asking 'How are you?' 

New Health & Wellbeing Section

In a new section on the Legal Island Hub ‘Health & Wellbeing’ David Casey from DeCare talks about the link between the wealth of a business and the health of its workers. Over the last 6 years. David Casey has been designing, building and implementing wellness and education programs for over 500 companies, organisations and healthcare settings across Ireland and the UK. 

David is then going to take this to the next level by delivering the Creating a Culture of Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace session at the Irish HR Symposium 2019 on Thursday 7th March 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin. Limited places remain.

Workplace Relations Commission Inspections at a Glance

In this month’s hot topic Crowley Solicitors take a glance at WRC Inspections and the key areas to watch out for in 2019. Niamh Walsh considers why the WRC will initiate an inspection and provides a list of 12 compliance red zone areas.

Webinar: Dealing with Poor Performance Proactively

11:00 - 11:30 on Wednesday 13th March 2019

In this 30 minute webinar, Caroline McEnery will discuss how to proactively approach performance management with employees, providing some takeaway tips and advice on how to best to handle poor performance. Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and Employment Law Expert.

Remember to send your questions in advance to lynsey@legal-island.com, or you can ask live questions via the chat box facility while the webinar is taking place.

Register Now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/432866029845435915

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